In 2014, Harley-Davidson introduced Project LiveWire - their first electric motorcycle. They gave consumers a chance to ride LiveWire and give their feedback and we were interested in what they said, so we thought we would share!

Matt Levatich, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson Inc., called the tour “a customer-led moment in the company’s history”.

Size and Sound

For a Harley-Davidson, the LiveWire is surprisingly compact. The seat is at a low height and has a comfortable, standard-style position. The rider can reach the bars easily. The LiveWire is not quiet. It gets its distinct, loud sound from the design of the motor.

The Ride

According to Harley-Davidson, the LiveWire can reach 60 mph in under 4 seconds. After riding the motorcycle, customers agreed. Blake Conner, senior editor for Cycleworld, reports reaching a peak of 95 mph on a runway. Apart from having a clutchless transmission, the LiveWire is said to feel and drive like a gas-powered motorcycle. The neutral steering was a bit heavy and while the tires had good grip on normal roads, they were not as good on the dusty and rough runway surface.

The LiveWire electric motorcycle shows a new direction for Harley-Davidson and while they are unsure how traditional customers will react, Blake Conner says that “the Harley-Davidson LiveWire is the best electric motorcycle [he’s] ridden.”